[Chemistry Class Notes] on Rhodium Pdf for Exam

Together with elements like iridium, osmium, ruthenium, palladium and platinum, rhodium is an important member of a family of special elements, otherwise known as Platinum Group Metals (PGM). This is a vital topic in the syllabus and consequently, it is imperative that you understand this element.

Furthermore, you should also be wary of the varying physical and chemical properties of this element too. Discussed below in detail, also attempt the different questions which are provided for your practise.

What is Rhodium?

The element Rhodium, pronounced as Ro-dee-um, is signified by its chemical symbol Rh and has an atomic number 45. Rhodium has a silvery white appearance in its natural form and is resistant to corrosion. Being one of the noble metals of the PGM group, rhodium is chemically inert and is one of the rarest and the most precious metals. In nature, it occurs mostly as a free metal or in other metal ores. 

What Does Rhodium Mean?

Now that we are familiar with some of the basic information regarding what is rhodium, let us jump on to the origin and history of Rhodium. 

The word Rhodium is derived from the Greek word ‘rhodon’, which means ‘rose-coloured’. Rhodium was first discovered by British scientist William Hyde Wollaston and chemist Smithson Tennant in 1803, both of whom were commercially digging ores for selling. 

Wollaston found rhodium in a platinum ore, which he procured from South America and which contained platinum, palladium and rhodium. He subjected the ore to complex chemical processes using various other compounds like sodium hydroxide, ammonium chloride and zinc to finally filter out rhodium as a free metal. The element got its name due to its rose-coloured appearance, when it was first filtered out. 

Though rhodium was not a very popular element at the time of its discovery, in about 100 years, scientists started using the metal to involve it in various experiments which required high temperatures. The most important usage of rhodium today started in 1970, when it is was first used inside catalytic converters to reduce the pollutant level in exhaust emissions. 

Pop Quiz 1

1. What is Rhodium?

  1. A noble gas

  2. A noble metal (Answer)

  3. A highly corrosive metal

  4. A compound used in nuclear reactions

Physical Properties of Rhodium 

Some of the most important physical properties of rhodium are listed below. 

  1. Rhodium is silvery-white in colour and is extremely hard and durable. 

  2. Rhodium has a metallic lustre and high reflectance. 

  3. The metal has an atomic mass of 102.906 AMU. 

  4. It has a melting point of 1963 degrees Celcius and a boiling point of 3695 degrees Celcius. 

  5. It remains solid under room temperatures and has a density of 12.4 g/cm3

  6. Though rhodium does not generally form an oxide even after heating, it absorbs oxygen only when it reaches its melting point. The absorbed oxygen is then released when it is solidified back. 

  7. Rhodium is mostly insoluble in all acids like nitric acid. It is only slightly soluble in aqua regia, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid. 

Chemical Properties of Rhodium

With a brief idea on the element’s physical properties and about what type of metal is rhodium, let us move on to the most important section for any element – its chemical properties. Below we make a list of some of the most important chemical properties of rhodium. 

  1. The number of electrons per shell of the element is 2, 8, 18, 16, 1. Hence, even if rhodium belongs to group 9 of the periodic table, this particular configuration is anomalous for the group. The same aberration is also found in its neighbouring elements including palladium (46), niobium (41) and ruthenium (44). 

  1. The most common oxidation state of the compound is +3, or the element loses three of its electrons to become an ion. This oxidation state varies from 0 to +6.

  2. Due to its inert nature, rhodium, like some of its sister elements, do not form any volatile oxides and most of its oxides are stable. Some of its popular oxides are RhO2, Rh2O3 and RhO2.xH2O. 

  3. Rhodium forms many halogen compounds though. Some of its most popular halogen compounds include rhodium(V) fluoride, rhodium(VI) fluroide and rhodium(III) chloride, all of which use the higher level oxidation states of the element. The compounds formed in the lower level oxidation states are stable only with ligands. 

  4. Wilkinson’s Catalyst is the most widely used halogen compound of rhodium. The chemical formula for Wilkinson’s Catalyst is C54H45ClP3Rh and is known in words as chloridotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I). This compound is mainly used for hydrogenation of alkenes. 

Isotopes of Rhodium

Rhodium, as a free metal, occurs in only one naturally occurring isotope, 103Rh. Despite this, rhodium can occur as some stable radioisotopes with longer half-lives and other twenty odd of them with half-lives less than an hour. The most stable radioisotopes of the element are 99Rh (half life – 16 days), 102mRh (half life – 2.9 years), 102Rh (half life – 207 days) and 101Rh (half life – 3.3 years). 

In the isotopes of the element which have atomic weight less than 103, rhodium decays via electron capture and the final decay product is ruthenium. While in isotopes having weight more than 103, it decays via emitting beta particles and the final decay product is palladium. 

Applications and Uses of Rhodium

With all of its properties and other trivia about the element discussed above, the only other question that remains is what is rhodium used for. 

1. As a Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is a compound which is used inside vehicles to convert the unburned carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other hydrocarbons into less toxic gases, such that the emissions can then be sent out into the atmosphere, without any environmental issue. With global warming and climate change being two of the most burning topics debated by scientists and activists worldwide, catalytic converters are absolutely essential nowadays for vehicle manuf
acturers. Surveys suggest that almost 80 per cent of rhodium used in 2012 has been for manufacturing catalytic converters. 

The generic chemical reaction which rhodium catalyses inside vehicles is 2 NOx → x O2 + N2, in which rhodium facilitates the reduction of harmful nitrogen oxides into gases like oxygen and nitrogen which can be easily emitted into the atmosphere. 

2. In Jewellery and Ornaments Industry

Rhodium also finds itself in decoration and jewellery making. Jewellery flashing is a popular usage of the element in the industry, where the metal is electroplated on gold and platinum to render ornaments a shiny look and feel. The shine usually wears off when used for a certain period of time. It is also used to coat sterling silver to save it from tarnishing. Due to its rarity, price and high melting point, rhodium is mostly used as a coating agent rather than being used as solid metal. 

Did You Know?

Rhodium is also used to signify honour in many prizes and awards. The Guinness Book of World Records awarded a rhodium-plated vinyl to the famous singer and songwriter Paul McCartney, one of the founding members of The Beatles, in 1979 for being the highest selling artist of all time. 

3. Other Miscellaneous Uses

Some of other rare uses of rhodium are listed below. 

  1. It is used for hardening and improving corrosion threshold of metals like platinum and palladium. This manufactured alloy of platinum and rhodium or palladium and rhodium are then used mostly in glass industries, making electrodes for aircraft and laboratory crucibles. 

  2. Due to its low electrical resistance, the element is also used for making electrical contacts. 

  3. It is used in producing characteristic X-rays in mammography systems. 

  4. Rhodium finds high amount of usage in nuclear reactors to measure neutron flux levels. 

  5. Vehicle manufacturers use the element in constructing headlight reflectors. 

Pop Quiz 2

1. Majorly, What is Rhodium Used for?

  1. Making catalytic converters (Answer)

  2. Making glass bodies

  3. Making electrical cables

  4. As a coating agent for iron and zinc

For Your Convenience, here is Table Containing all the Necessary Information Regarding Rhodium. 

Property

Value

Atomic Number (Z)

45

Group

9

Period

5

Category of element

Transition element

Electronic Configuration

[Kr]4d8 5s1

Number of electrons per shell

2, 8, 18, 16, 1

Melting Point

2237 K

Boiling Point

3968 K

Density

12.4 g/cm3

Heat of fusion

26.59 kJ/mol

Heat of vaporization

493 kJ/mol

Molar heat capacity

24.98 J/mol.K

So, this was all about what is rhodium and all its chemical and physical properties along with its applications and uses. To know more about the other chemical compounds and any other topic of chemistry, download the app or visit the website today to get comprehensive guides and informative PDFs regarding the same. 

[Chemistry Class Notes] on Saccharin Pdf for Exam

Almost 150 years ago people discovered saccharin accidentally. Since then it has become an alternative to sugar to sweeten various foods and beverages. A few decades ago some animal research linked saccharin with health issues, leading to a decline in the substance’s popularity. However, later studies suggested that there was no confirmed link found to cancer in humans.

What is Saccharin?

Companies use saccharin sweetener as a non-nutritive or artificial sweetener. In the year 1879, people first discovered the substance by accident. Its use became widespread during the times of World War I because of the sugar shortage. During the 1960s, marketers started promoting saccharin sweetener as a weight loss product under the trade name Sweet and Low. Through several chemical processes, manufacturers make saccharin using the chemical toluene or anthranilic acid as the base ingredient. The process gives out a white, crystalline powder that is stable under a range of conditions.

Saccharin sweetener has three forms: 

Sodium saccharin is most popular in artificial sweeteners though few people find it to be a bitter, and metallic aftertaste. However, humans cannot metabolize saccharin, which means saccharin sweet does not add energy, calories, or carbohydrates to a person. Hence, diabetic patients or those who want to lose weight choose saccharin sweet as an alternative to sugar. A tiny amount to sweeten foods is enough as it is 300–500 times sweeter than regular sugar.

Use of Saccharin

The primary use of saccharin is as a calorie-free sweetener. Manufacturers usually combine it with other sweeteners, like aspartame, to combat its bitter taste.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes saccharin for use as a sweetening agent in items like beverages, fruit juice drinks, drink bases, or mixes, as a sugar substitute for cooking or table use, also in processed foods.

They also authorize saccharin for industrial purposes, which includes:

Food and Drink Sources

It has no associations with cancer. The use of saccharin is not as widespread today. The discovery of new sweeteners with no bitter aftertaste led to saccharin’s decline in popularity. Saccharin still appears in the ingredients of various foods and drinks like bakery products, candy, chewing gum, desserts, jelly, salad dressings. The use of saccharin in beverages is limited to the acceptable amount to less than 12 milligrams (mg) per fluid ounce by the FDA for manufacturers. Saccharin cannot exceed 30 mg per serving size in processed foods.

Sweetener

People can buy saccharin as a liquid or granule table sweetener. They can be bought with the brand names such as Sweet and Low, Sweet Twin, Sugar Twin, Sweet’N Low, Necta Sweet.

Other uses of saccharin. Many companies use saccharin to produce non-food items such as cosmetics, chewing tobacco, and snuff, pharmaceuticals, and cattle feed.

Other Sweeteners

The FDA considers saccharin to be a high-intensity sweetener because it is many times sweeter than sugar. The FDA approved sweeteners are as follows:

  • Aspartame: Aspartame contains calories and may be considered a nutritive sweetener. Because it is 200 times sweeter than sugar, people need a small amount. It is not heat-stable, hence it is not used in baked goods. It can be used as a table sweetener, in cereals, puddings, dairy products, and also in beverages.

  • Acesulfame Potassium: This non-nutritive sweetener is often used in frozen desserts, drinks, and baked goods. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and manufacturers usually combine it with other sweeteners.

What is Sodium Saccharin?

Sodium saccharin is a solid form of artificial sweetener saccharin. Saccharin is non-nutritive. It is used to add sweetness to beverages and foods without calories or the detrimental effects of consuming sugar. It helps you reduce your consumption of sugar. High sugar consumption can lead to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. 

[Chemistry Class Notes] on Sedimentation Pdf for Exam

We come across various incidents on a daily basis in which we have to separate one substance from the other to make it more useful. Different sedimentation methods are available by which we can separate substances that are mixed together. Sedimentation is the simplest separation method and an essential concept that is supposed to be understood. Its importance is unquestioned and plays a vital role in archeology. It’s a natural process that can be explained as building up layers of small particles like sand or mud. Weight and sedimentation are very related.

The Sedimentation definition is given by, it also includes deposits from glacial ice and such materials collected under the impetus of gravity alone, similar to talus deposits, or accumulations of rock debris at the base of cliffs. This term is commonly used as a synonym for sedimentology and sedimentary petrology.

Sedimentation Process By an Experiment

The sedimentation process can be observed by a small experiment. Take a glass jar and fill it with a garden variety of mud. Pour some water, shake it well and keep it untouched for a few minutes.

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In a while, we can notice that the gravel and rocks have settled below, sand on above, and so on. The garden variety of mud basically has formed layers of soil based on varied, which is seen below.

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If we look at the cliff, it can be observed several layers on the surface of the cliff. These resultant layers are formed by sedimentation – the grains of sand and mud build-up over a long period of time, forming the layers. Also, fossils happen to be found in these layers. Logically, the quicker the bones are buried, and the more survival chances are more because it can be protected from scavenging animals and limited damage by weather. The rivers, lakes, and sea are the best depositors of both sand and mud are some sedimentation examples. Dinosaur fossils were found near to the sea, lakes or rivers. A land-slide, where mud and rock-fall down a hill mountain, can also lead to a sedimentation type.

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Sedimentation can also be used to separate particles based on size by applying the centrifugal force to the required solution. In the Centrifugation process, a centrifugal force is applied to a heterogeneous mixture which separates the mixture based on its density. The high dense components stay away from the centrifugal axis, whereas the less dense components stay near to the centrifugal axis by therefore separating the constituents of the mixture.

Also, sedimentation helps to determine a person’s medical conditions. The sedimentation rate of RBC is one of the sedimentation examples. It is performed by measuring how long it takes the Red Blood cells (RBCs) to get settled in a test tube. As time passes by, the RBC’s start to separate from the other plasma contents, they settle down at the bottom and serum will be formed above. The ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or sedimentation rate is measured simply by recording how far the top of the Red Blood Cell layer has fallen (in millimeters) from the top of the serum layer in one hour.

The water treatment plant uses the sedimentation method to pull out unwanted particles from unclean water by filtering several layers of soil and sand, allowing specific sizes of particles to pass through.

Basic Principle of Sedimentation

Suspended water solids have a specific gravity that is greater than the water tends to get settled by gravity as soon as the turbulence is retarded by granting the storage. Inorganic suspended solids have a specific gravity of about 2.65, and Organic suspended solids have a specific gravity of about 1.04

The particles having a specific gravity of about 1.20 or so readily settle down at the bottom of the tank. But to cause the settlement of lighter particles, it’s difficult. 

This settling down of particles at the bottom of the sedimentation tank phenomenon is called hydraulic subsidence, and each particle has its own hydraulic settling value causing hydraulic subsidence on it.

Basin, where the flow is retarded, is known as a sedimentation basin. The average theoretical time for which the water is detained in the settling tank is known as the detention period.

Types of Sedimentation

Plain Sedimentation

It is the process of settling down of solids and impurities in the raw water to the bottom of the sedimentation basin by a natural gravity force alone, with no chemical added. This is a very cheaper sedimentation method and is mostly used in every water filtration and purification system. 

Sedimentation Using Clarifier and Contact

Here, the chemicals are mixed in water, and the same water is rotated with the help of pumps for a period of two hours per day, and suspended solids are settled down in the bottom of the reservoir or tank, and more. 

Chemically Assisted Sedimentation or Clarification

In this process, chemicals are added to water, and through mixing, the suspended solids, and other impurities are stuck together and form floc, settling at the bottom of the basin.

Generally, the most used process is chemically assisted as horizontal sedimentation based on some assumptions. Basically, water flows through a tank in an irregular flow, and thus the intention of sedimentation is to create conditions where the flow takes place uniformly for a long enough period, permitting the maximum practical amount of floc to get settled before the water reaches the end of the tank.

[Chemistry Class Notes] on Sigma Bond and Pi Bond Pdf for Exam

The overlapping of atomic orbitals distinguishes sigma and pi bonds from each other. The overlapping of atomic orbitals forms covalent bonds. The head-to-head overlapping of atomic orbitals forms sigma bonds, whereas the lateral overlap of two atomic orbitals forms pi bonds. Both names, sigma and pi, are derived from the Greek letters.

Various bond properties, including bond length, bond angle, and bond enthalpy, are influenced by how atomic orbitals overlap. This overlap happens in two ways, resulting in two different types of covalent bonds: sigma and pi bonds.

 

Generally, sigma bonds are stronger than pi bonds. Both are used extensively to predict the behaviour of molecules in molecular orbital theory.

Sigma(σ) Bond

Sigma Bond Definition

The covalent bond formed by the axial overlap of atomic orbitals is called a sigma bond. For example, the methane molecule contains 4 C-H sigma bonds. This type of covalent bond is formed by the overlap of bonding orbitals along the internuclear axis from end to end (head-on). This is called head overlapping or axial overlapping. Any of the following types of combinations of atomic orbitals may form this.

S-S overlapping

In this case, two half-filled s-orbitals are interacting along the internuclear axis, as shown below.

()

S-P overlapping

This sort of overlap takes place between half-full s-orbitals of one atom and half-full p-orbitals of another.

()

P–P overlapping

This sort of overlap exists between half-filled p-orbitals of the two atoms that approach.

()

Pi (π) Bond

Pi Bond Definition

Pi bonds are formed when atomic orbitals intersect in a sideways positive (same phase) direction perpendicular to the internuclear axis. The axes of the atomic orbitals are parallel to one other during bond formation, whereas the overlapping is perpendicular to the internuclear axis.

Throughout pi-bond formation, the atomic orbitals converge so that their axes appear parallel to each other and perpendicular to the central axis. The side-overlapping orbitals consist of two types of saucer-charged clouds above and below the surface of the atoms involved.

()

Strength of Sigma and Pi Bonds

Essentially, a bond’s strength depends on the extent to which it overlaps. The duplication of orbitals arises to a greater degree in the case of a sigma bond. Therefore, it is stronger than the pi bond, where the extent of overlap occurs to a lesser extent. Further, it is important to note that pi bond(s) are produced in addition to a sigma bond in the formation of multiple bonds between two atoms of a molecule.

Difference Between Sigma Bond and Pi Bond

Parameter

Sigma Bond

Pi Bond

Formation of Bonds

Sigma bonds are formed by the axial overlap of half- filled atomic orbitals.

Pi bonds are formed through the lateral overlap of the half – filled atomic orbitals.

Overlapping Orbitals

In sigma bonds, orbitals may overlap: two hybrid orbitals, one hybrid and one pure orbital or two pure orbitals.

For pi bonds, two pure (i.e., unhybridised) orbitals are always alternating orbitals.

Existence

It exists independently.

Pi-bond always exists along with sigma bonds.

Rotation of Two Carbon Atoms

Free rotation is seen in sigma bonds.

Free rotation is restricted.

Bond Strength

The strength of sigma bonds is more than pi bonds.

Pi bonds are less strong than sigma bonds.

Bond Forming Order

Sigma bonds are formed first when atoms come closer.

Pi bonds are formed after the formation of sigma bonds.

Number of Bonds

There is only one sigma bond between two atoms.

There can be two pi bonds between two atoms.

Control of Geometry in Polyatomic Molecules

Sigma bonds are involved in the control of geometry in polyatomic molecules.

Pi bonds are not involved in the control of geometry in polyatomic molecules.

Number of bonds in a double bond

There is one sigma bond in a double bond.

There is only one pi bond observed in a double bond.

Number of bonds in a triple bond

There is one sigma bond in a triple bond.

There are two pi bonds in the triple bond.

Symmetry of the charge

Sigma bond has cylindrical charge symmetry around the bond axis.

Pi bond has no symmetry.

Reactiveness

Sigma bonds are more reactive.

Pi bonds are less reactive.

Shape determination

Shape of a molecule is determined by the sigma bond.

Shape of a molecule is not determined by the Pi bond.

Importance

Multiple bonds are seen in covalent compounds (double or triple bonds). In single bonds only a sigma bond is present, but multiple bonds have both sigma and pi bonds. A double bond has one sigma and one pi bond, while a triple bond has one sigma and two pi bonds.

Multiple bonds influence a molecule’s electrical characteristics and can change its physical properties such as the boiling point and melting point. Multiple bonds are also beneficial for understanding nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (NMR).

[Chemistry Class Notes] on Size of The Nucleus Pdf for Exam

The smallest unit of any matter is an atom with the properties of a chemical element and is the basic building block of chemistry. Most of the part inside an atom is empty space with its centre having positively charged particles called protons and neutral particles called neutrons. These protons and neutrons constitute the nucleus of the atom. The nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged particles called electrons which form a cloud around it.

(Image to be added soon)

In this article, we will look into the theory behind the size of the nucleus and see what the Rutherford gold foil experiment proved.

History of Nucleus and Electron

The nucleus is also called “atomic nucleus” and comes from the Latin word “nucleus” which is another word for “nux” (it means kernel or nut). Michael Faraday coined this term in 1844 when he was trying to describe the centre of an atom. The sciences which study the composition and characteristics of a nucleus are called nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry.  

  • J.J.Thompson carried out his cathode ray tubes experiment and found out that all atoms contain negatively charged particles called electrons.

  • In the “Plum pudding model” given by Thompson, an atom had negatively charged electrons meshed inside a positively charged “soup.”

  • Rutherford gold foil experiment discovered that most parts of an atom are empty and its centre has a positively charged nucleus.

Facts about Nucleus

  • There is a strong electric force between protons and neutrons within the nucleus which holds them together.

  • Electrons are attracted towards the nucleus due to the positive proton in it, but they are moving so fast that they either fall around it or orbit it at a distance.

  • The positive charge of the nucleus comes from protons in it.

  • Protons and neutrons weigh much more than the tiny electrons; hence almost all the mass of a nucleus is centred around the nucleus.

  • The proton count of a nucleus determines it as an atom of a specific element.

  • The neutron count of a nucleus determines which isotope of an element is that atom.

Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment

J.J. Thompson had proposed the model of an atom, but it was Ernest Rutherford’s model that was finally accepted as the correct nuclear model. The final model was given after the Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment. Rutherford wanted to know how electrons were arranged within an atom. To do this, he decided to carry out an experiment and made fast-moving particles (alpha particles ɑ) fall on a thin gold foil. 

  • Alpha particles are helium ions (doubly charged) with a mass of 4μ and possess a considerable amount of energy.

  • The gold foil was selected since he needed an extremely thin layer. The thickness of this gold foil was around that of 1000 atoms. 

  • ɑ particles are much heavier compared to protons; hence he was expecting them to deflect only slightly by the gold atoms’ subatomic particles.

But he got very unexpected results from this experiment.

(Image to be added soon)

As Per His Observations

  • A larger chunk of fast-moving alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil without any deflection.

  • There were deflections of small angles for some of the alpha particles.

  • The most surprising discovery was the complete rebound of a few alpha particles. At least 1 out of every 12,000 particles rebounded.

What Rutherford Concluded From This Experiment

  • Since most ɑ particles passed through the gold foil, most of the atom is an empty space.

  • Since the number of particles that got slightly deflected was very few, it was concluded that the charge of the atom occupied a tiny space.

  • Since there was a complete bouncing off of a few particles from the gold foil, the atom of the gold foil’s positive charge was concentrated in a small volume within the atom.

Rutherford Proposed The Following Nuclear Model of An Atom Based on His Experiment

  • The centre of an atom is positively charged, and almost all of an atom’s mass is contained in the central part called the nucleus.

  • Electrons have well-defined orbits around the nucleus.

  • The size of atomic nucleus is quite small in comparison to the atom’s size.

What is the Size of Nucleus?

A nucleus size is much smaller than the atom’s size. The size of a hydrogen atom is 145,000 times its nucleus. The hydrogen nucleus is the smallest (1.75 * 10-15 m) since it has a single proton.  The size of nucleus is of the order of 1.2 * 10-15 m, and the nuclear radii range from 1 – 10 * 10-15 m. Some nucleus is spherical while some are flattened and have deformed shapes. The formula to measure the size of nucleus is:

R = R0A1/3

Where R0 = 1.2 * 10-15 m

Density of Nuclear Matter

The density of a nucleus (ρ) is its mass divided by the total volume. The number of protons and neutrons are called nucleons, and the mass of a nucleus is A time the mass of the nucleon (A is the number of nucleons in the atom).

mnucleon ~ ⅙ * 10-27 kg

Volume = 4/3 * π * R3, Here R = R0A1/3

Density of nuclear matter ρ = mnucleon/Volume ~ 2 * 1017 kg/m3

[Chemistry Class Notes] on Sodium Cyanide Pdf for Exam

What Is Sodium Cyanide?

The chemical name of cyanide is Sodium Cyanide, and it is a highly toxic chemical. Sodium cyanide is known by many different names such as Cyanobrik, Cyanide of sodium, cyanide salt, or Cyanogen. It is basically a sodium salt as well as a one-carbon compound. It is an inorganic compound, as it is a typical chemical compound that does not have an established carbon and hydrogen bond. This sodium salt is white in colour and is soluble in water. It is one of the highly toxic salts as it has a high affinity (highly reactive) for metals. Sodium cyanide is also a moderately strong base, and when it is treated with an acid (such as sulfuric acid), it forms a highly toxic gas known as hydrogen cyanide.

Sodium Cyanide Formula

What is NaCN? Well,  the formula of sodium cyanide is NaCN, where Na is sodium, and CN is cyanide.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Cyanide

When one treats sodium hydroxide with hydrogen cyanide, he gets sodium cyanide. All around the world, in the year 2006, almost 5 lakh tons of NaCN was produced. Therefore, we can assume the salt has vast application. After hydrolysis NaCN forms HCN (hydrogen cyanide acid) because this salt is derived from a very week acid. The HCN that is formed after hydrolysis smells like bitter almonds.  Also, when NaCN is detoxified with Hydrogen Peroxide sodium cyanate and water is produced.

Sodium Cyanide Uses

Gold Mining– In the mining industry sodium cyanide has exorbitant uses. The main use of the cyanide is reflected in the process of extraction of gold as well as other precious metals from mines. Gold is highly reactive to cyanide, therefore, sodium cyanide is explicitly used in gold mining. When gold reacts with sodium cyanide in the presence of oxygen and water it produces sodium gold cyanide and sodium hydroxide.

Chemical Feedstock– Sodium cyanide helps in producing a number of commercially significant chemical compounds such as cyanogen chloride, many types of nitriles and also cyanuric chloride. Cyanide is a very strong nucleophile that donates a pair of electrons to form a chemical bond in relation to a reaction. In organic synthesis cyanide (nucleophile) helps in preparing nitriles. Nitriles are present in many chemicals, and it has vast usage in the pharmaceutical industry.

Other Uses– Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical, it is therefore used for any illegal purposes such as killing by poisoning. Due to its poisonous nature, many use the chemical for killing insects and rodents. In many industries, it is used for cleaning metals. In the dye industry, the chemical is used to produce dyes. In many other sectors, the chemical is used to manufacture the electroplating solution. It is also used as an agricultural chemical and farmers use it as a pesticide to kill pests that damage the crop. This said the chemical can also be used for producing the hydrocyanic acid.

Other Properties of Sodium Cyanide

Sodium cyanide or NaCN is a toxic chemical. Its molecular weight is 46.006 g/mol. The density of this highly reactive chemical is 1.880 gram per cubic decimeter. The boiling point of the chemical is 21.15 degrees Celsius and its melting point is -9.3 degrees Celsius.

Sodium Cyanide and the Health Hazards

Sodium cyanide or cyanogran is an extremely toxic chemical. For a human with an average weight of 70 kg, a dose less than 5 mg/kg is considered to be a safe amount of oral lethal dose. Now, any particular quantity above this limit can prove to be highly dangerous. Many a time, a portion of the chemical is found to be in the fruits or vegetables due to sprinkling of pesticides on them. Therefore such fruits and vegetables prove to be fatal. Government has therefore restricted the use of sodium cyanide as a pesticide for farms and agricultural lands. If a person inhales this chemical, absorbs through the skin or swallows it, it can be fatal and result in the death of a person. Direct contact with the chemical causes eyes and skin to burn. When the chemical reacts with humid air or water it releases flammable, corrosive, toxic gases.